She described the process as “terrifying and liberating.”
Tisca Chopra is set to make her directorial debut with Saali Mohabbat, a gripping thriller-drama starring Radhika Apte and Divyenndu Sharma.
The highly anticipated film will premiere exclusively on ZEE5 Global later this year.
Produced by Jio Studios and Manish Malhotra’s Stage5 Production, Saali Mohabbat is a genre-defining “how-dunnit” that blends emotional complexity with sleek visual storytelling.
The film also features Anurag Kashyap, Anshumaan Pushkar, Sauraseni Maitra, and Sharat Saxena in pivotal roles, bringing together an ensemble of powerhouse performers.
The release marks celebrated designer Manish Malhotra’s digital debut as a producer, extending his creative legacy from fashion to film.
It also represents ZEE5’s fourth collaboration with Jio Studios, following successful projects like Hisaab Barabar, Mrs., and Bhagwat.
For Radhika Apte, it is a return to the platform after her acclaimed performance in Mrs. Undercover.
After screening at the International Film Festival of India (IFFI) and the Chicago South Asian Film Festival, Saali Mohabbat continues its global journey with strong anticipation.
The story follows Smita, a small-town housewife played by Radhika Apte, whose quiet life spirals into chaos when love, betrayal, and deceit collide.
What begins as domestic simplicity transforms into a haunting exploration of obsession and truth.
Kaveri Das, Business Head of Hindi ZEE5, expressed pride in presenting a story that challenges conventions.
She said ZEE5 Global remains dedicated to delivering stories that resonate deeply with audiences.
She added that collaborating again with Jio Studios, Manish Malhotra, and Tisca Chopra has been deeply fulfilling, especially with Radhika Apte in a performance that showcases her remarkable range.
Jyoti Deshpande, President of Jio Studios, described the film as a bold and ingenious thriller that embodies the studio’s vision to support fearless storytelling.
She praised Manish Malhotra’s seamless transition from fashion to filmmaking and expressed excitement about the film finding its global home on ZEE5, where diverse audiences can appreciate Tisca Chopra’s creative debut.
Manish Malhotra shared that Saali Mohabbat reflects Stage5 Production’s mission to champion originality and craftsmanship.
He said the film examines silence, power, and the human cost of choice through layered storytelling.
He praised Tisca Chopra’s assured directorial voice, Radhika Apte’s compelling performance, and the partnership with Jio Studios and ZEE5 for supporting meaningful cinema that transcends borders.
Speaking about her debut, Tisca Chopra said she wanted to tell a story that is both intimate and unsettling, exploring the hidden fractures within relationships.
She explained that Saali Mohabbat captures a woman’s perspective on love, betrayal, and identity.
Chopra thanked Manish Malhotra for his instinctive support and Jio Studios for their faith in her artistic vision.
She described the process as “terrifying and liberating,” celebrating the freedom to tell a female-led story with emotional honesty and depth.
Saali Mohabbat promises to deliver a captivating cinematic experience, rich in emotional nuance and suspense.
The film will premiere on ZEE5 Global later this year, adding another remarkable title to the platform’s growing collection of South Asian originals.
ZEE5, India’s largest homegrown streaming platform, reaches viewers across 190 countries with content available in seven languages.
The platform continues to lead with its “Apni Bhasha, Apni Kahaniyan” approach, offering diverse, multilingual entertainment for global South Asian audiences.
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